New York Knicks Midseason Grades By Position: Small Forward

Carmelo Anthony has been put through the ringer this season. Fans and media alike have crushed him throughout the season. He has been booed and criticized for not passing enough. He has to constantly answer questions about his future. That puts him at the forefront, but he is always ready to take the brunt of the action.

That is part of the reason he received the grade that he did. Despite all the challenges that face him, Anthony is committed to the Knicks and turning around the franchise; something he should be commended for.

Anthony has reaffirmed his desire to stay with the Knicks and see this through numerous times, the most recent coming this week. He added more fuel to the fire when he said he’d consider waiving his no-trade clause if it is what the organization wanted.

For now, it seems that they want him and Anthony obviously wants the Knicks. On the court, he has battled a shoulder injury that is, at times, difficult to deal with. It has caused some off shooting nights, but he has missed only one game this season.

The Knicks improve slightly when Anthony is off the court, as their net rating improves by one. But, they will only go as far as he will take them. Look no further than the last three close games the Knicks have had. He hasn’t taken the last shot in any of the games and the Knicks have lost them all.

They need him on the court if they want to win. They have not won a game without him since the 2014-15 season. Despite his shortcomings defensively, he can still score with the best of them. Expect to see him play more power forward as the season goes on.